tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29447996883949893412014-10-05T17:00:20.063+11:00AsianFC.comAsian Football CentralAsian Football Centralnoreply@blogger.comBlogger106125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2944799688394989341.post-81729684510569373572009-10-09T05:13:00.004+11:002009-10-09T05:25:40.224+11:00AFC Player of the Year 2009 Shortlist Announced<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oFK-vUN4zcM/Ss4tZX5t9XI/AAAAAAAAAek/B1rfZ_h-dEk/s1600-h/aard2009logo.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oFK-vUN4zcM/Ss4tZX5t9XI/AAAAAAAAAek/B1rfZ_h-dEk/s200/aard2009logo.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390295717945144690" /></a><br />The Asian Football Confederation has announced the first shortlist of 15 players in contention for the prestigious AFC 2009 Player of the Year award<br /><br />The recipient of the award will be chosen based on points earned at various AFC and FIFA tournaments. The winner will be announced on November 24 in a grand function at the Shangri-la Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, sans;font-size:100%;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 15px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;font-size:11px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, sans;font-size:100%;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 15px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;font-size:11px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Arial, sans;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 15px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;font-size:-webkit-xxx-large;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 15px; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family:Verdana, Arial, sans;font-size:11px;">NOMINEES FOR AFC PLAYER OF THE YEAR 2009 (in alphabetical order)<br />NAME NATIONALITY NATIONAL TEAM<br />CLUB<br />Alexander Geynrikh UZB Uzbekistan Pakhtakor, UZB<br />Ali Ashfaq MDV Maldives VB, MDV<br />Baba Malick QAT Qatar Umm Salal, Qatar<br />Firas Al Khatib SYR Syria Al Arabi/Al Qadsiya, KUW<br />Hadi Aghily IRN Iran Sepahan, IRN<br />Hong Yong Jo PRK DPR Korea Rostov, RUS<br />Kengo Nakamura JPN Japan Kawasaki Frontale, JPN<br />Li Weifeng CHN - Suwon Bluewings, KOR<br />Markus Rihihina IDN Indonesia PSMS Medan, IDN<br />Maya Yoshida JPN - Nagoya Grampus, JPN<br />Mohammed Noor KSA Saudi Arabia Al Ittihad, KSA<br />Nassir Al Shamrani KSA Saudi Arabia Al Shabab, KSA<br />Ri Myong Guk PRK DPR Korea Pyongyang Athletics Club, PRK<br />Sayed Mohamed Adnan BHR Bahrain Al Khor, QAT<br />Yasuhito Endo JPN Japan Gamba Osaka, JPN<br /><br /></span></div><div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Asian Football Central asianfc.com World Football News & Results</div>Asian Football Centralnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2944799688394989341.post-67663844222643400202009-06-17T13:42:00.006+10:002009-06-17T14:01:04.277+10:002010 FIFA World Cup Asian QualifiersFIFA World Cup 2010 Asian Qualifying Match Day 10 kicks off tonight with competition expected to be fierce for the last of four guaranteed berths in the 2010 FIFA World Cup Finals to be held in South Africa next year.<br /><br />Group A sees Japan and Australia playing a dead rubber in Melbourne. Both have already qualified for South Africa and are expected to field under strength teams in order to test their second string players. Bahrain and Uzbekistan play the other Group A match with Bahrain only needing a draw to finish third in the group and earn a place in the second chance playoff. Uzbekistan can still finish third with a win tonight and Qatar has been eliminated.<br /><br />Group B will reveal Asia's fourth automatic qualifier tonight with Korea DPR, I.R. Iran and Saudi Arabia still in contention. Korea DPR will travel to KSA and if they qualify, it will be the first time ever that both Koreas play in the same FIFA World Cup. Korea Republic having already qualified, will host I.R. Iran in the final game of Match Day 10.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Asian Football Central asianfc.com World Football News & Results</div>Asian Football Centralnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2944799688394989341.post-29410407824365519252009-06-14T16:30:00.005+10:002009-06-14T16:41:52.656+10:00Australia Launches Bid to Host FIFA World Cup Finals<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oFK-vUN4zcM/SjSbo0nOXrI/AAAAAAAAAbw/um_Om8hN9_M/s1600-h/bidmark.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oFK-vUN4zcM/SjSbo0nOXrI/AAAAAAAAAbw/um_Om8hN9_M/s320/bidmark.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347069783215857330" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Australia has officially launched it's bid to host the 2018 or 2022 FIFA World Cup finals in Canberra today.<br /><br />Drawing largely on Australia's membership of the Asian Football Confederation, Football Federation Australia (FFA) Chairman Frank Lowy has stated that the people of Australia are the “secret weapon”.<br /><br />“We believe this bid is realistic and it’s achievable,” he told an audience of politicians, media, past, present and aspiring Socceroos and FFA partners.<br /><br />“On the world stage, there is no event with the same level of global appeal or audience reach as the FIFA World Cup™.<br /><br />Mr Lowy said that the cumulative global television audience in 2006 was 26.2 billion with the single largest audience group coming from the Asian Football Confederation, of which Australia is a member.<br /><br />“Asia is on the rise economically, in terms of goods and services and in football,” he said.<br /><br />“Australia is part of the Asian Football Confederation and is in the Asian time zone.”<br /><br />But Mr Lowy said that Australia’s “secret weapon” is the Australian people, and Australia as a destination.<br /><br />“People from all over the world want to visit our country.<br /><br />FFA also unveiled a promotional film which showcases Australia as a destination, as well as its football and event hosting credentials, encouraging the world to ‘Come Play!’.<br /><br />The film showcases the Qantas Socceroos as well as a ball travelling around Australia visiting every state and territory showcasing cities, stadia, the outback, wineries and beaches with everyday Australians in a playful mood.<br /><br />“We have many milestones between today and when the decision is made and we hope that all Australians can join this bid 100 per cent.”<br /><br />FFA will be required to make a final presentation to FIFA, football’s world governing body, in December 2010 prior to a decision behind made.<br /><br />Aus2018 and AsianFC.com fully support Australia’s bid to host the FIFA World Cup finals in 2018 and 2022 and urge all readers to do likewise. Join the official website www.australia2018-2022.com.au and urge your friends, family and colleagues to do the same.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Asian Football Central asianfc.com World Football News & Results</div>Asian Football Centralnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2944799688394989341.post-4841524394300781892009-06-14T16:28:00.000+10:002009-06-14T16:30:05.187+10:00Australia 2018 FIFA World Cup Launch Video<object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ezCpmSZN_9g&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ezCpmSZN_9g&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object><div class="blogger-post-footer">Asian Football Central asianfc.com World Football News & Results</div>Asian Football Centralnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2944799688394989341.post-26316037479300640402009-06-07T11:15:00.004+10:002009-06-07T11:34:28.861+10:00Three Members of the AFC Book Their Berths in South AfricaThree members of the Asian Football Confederation have now guaranteed their places at the 2010 FIFA World Cup Finals in South Africa.<br /><br />Japan qualified after defeating Uzbekistan 1-0 in Tashkent, Korea Republic following their 2-0 win over UAE and Australia's 0-0 draw with Qatar in Doha gave it the vital point needed to guarantee the Socceroo's place in the finals.<br /><br />Speaking from Doha, Football Federation Australia (FFA) CEO, Ben Buckley, said that qualifying for a second consecutive FIFA World Cup was a fantastic achievement.<br /><br />"It's another first for Australian Football" <br /><br />"Qualifying this time around, with the travel and match conditions the team has experienced, is a true measure of the progress football has made."<br /><br />Whilst Japan and Korea Republic have made regular appearances at the finals, this is only the third time for Australia and the first as a member of the AFC.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Asian Football Central asianfc.com World Football News & Results</div>Asian Football Centralnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2944799688394989341.post-49911865575029484782008-12-27T15:02:00.005+11:002008-12-27T20:12:37.046+11:002018 FIFA World Cup: Asian Nations Challenge Each OtherWith Japan signaling its interest in hosting the 2018/2022 FIFA Word Cup Finals, Asia may find itself out of the race before it even begins.<br /><br />Although Australia is the only AFC member to officially announce its bid, China and Qatar have also shown interest. If all four (including Japan) submit formal applications it is likely that the region's support will be divided and all will miss out.<br /><br />Asian Football Confederation chief Mohamad Bin Hammam has indicated that he only wants one official bid from the region to ensure the greatest chance of success. This may mean endorsing the strongest bid and encouraging all others to withdraw.<br /><br />FIFA will select the hosts for 2018 and 2022 in 2010.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Asian Football Central asianfc.com World Football News & Results</div>Asian Football Centralnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2944799688394989341.post-17584574714017668182008-09-07T15:32:00.000+10:002008-09-07T15:33:23.566+10:00Socceroos Defeat The NetherlandsHarry Kewell and Josh Kennedy have both scored in Australia's win against The Netherlands in Eindhoven this morning (Australian time). <br /><br />In front of a crowd of over 22,000, the Dutch took an early lead with Klaas Jan Huntelaar finding the back of the net in the sixth minute. It wasn't until the 42nd minute when Harry Kewell evened the score with a penalty following the Dutch goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenberg receiving a red card for a foul on Josh Kennedy.<br /><br />Kennedy put the Aussies in front with a header in the 76th minute.<br /><br />Whilst pleased with the result against the world's 4th ranked Football nation, Socceroos' coach Pim Verbeek is focused on Australia's upcoming AFC World Cup qualifier against Uzbekistan on Wednesday night. <br /><br />MATCH DETAILS<br /><br />Netherlands,1 (Klaas Jan Huntelaar 6') - Australia, 2 (Harry Kewell 42' pen, Josh Kennedy 76')<br /><br />Saturday 6 September 2008<br />Philips Stadion, Eindhoven, Netherlands<br />Referee: Mr Martin Atkinson (England)<br />Assistant Referees: Mr Philip Sharp (England) & Mr Muhammed Matadar (England)<br />Fourth Official: Mr Tom van Sichem ( Netherlands)<br /><br />Netherlands line-up: 1.Maarten Stekelenberg (gk), 2. John Heitinga, 3. Andre Ooijer, 4.Joris Mathijsen, 5.Giovanni van Bronckhorst (c), 6. Mark van Bommel, 7.Robin van Persie, 8.Nigel de Jong, 9.Klaas Jan Huntelaar (16. Henk Timmer 42'), 10.Rafael van der Vaart (17. Ibrahim Afellay 70'), 11.Ryan Babel (18. Jan Vennegor of Hesselink 83')<br /><br />Australia line-up: 1.Mark Schwarzer (gk), 2.Lucas Neill (c), 5.Jason Culina (17. Jacob Burns 78'), 7.Brett Emerton (23. Mark Bresciano 46'), 8.Luke Wilkshire, 9.Joshua Kennedy (20. Richard Garcia 78') ,10.Harry Kewell (21. Mile Sterjovski 46'), 11.David Carney, 13.Chris Coyne (6. Michael Beauchamp 70'), 14.Carl Valeri, 16.Brett Holman (15. Bruce Djite 70')<div class="blogger-post-footer">Asian Football Central asianfc.com World Football News & Results</div>Asian Football Centralnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2944799688394989341.post-18606695849087109162008-05-29T21:37:00.000+10:002008-05-29T21:38:48.825+10:0058th FIFA Congress.The 58th FIFA Congress has kicked off in Sydney tonight with a lavish ceremony at the Sydney Opera House.<br /><br />Representatives from 208 National Football Associations as well as the six Continental Confederations attended the Opening Ceremony along with other dignitaries including the Prime Minister of Australia, Mr Kevin Rudd.<br /><br />FIFA President, Mr Joseph Blatter opened the proceedings by announcing that the Iraqi Football Association ban had been provisionally lifted meaning that the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Australia in Brisbane next week can go ahead. This announcement was met with applause throughout the auditorium.<br /><br />Mr Blatter also touched on one of the major topics for the Congress tomorrow. Plans have been tabled to limit the number of international players in National Football Associations ensuring that fans get to see their own national players in local leagues.<br /><br />Mr Rudd opened his address to the congregation by acknowledging the traditional Aboriginal landowners, as well as the Peoples of Burma and China who have recently suffered natural disasters. He continued by mentioning the fact that Australia’s “extraordinary cultural diversity…” was a perfect fit for the “most global sport of all” and that Australia’s population could almost host its own World Cup. Mr. Rudd committed the Federal Government’s full support for Australia’s bid to host the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals.<br /><br />Prior to leaving the stage, Mr Rudd was presented a FIFA Medallion from President Blatter.<br /><br />Football federation Australia’s President, Mr Frank Lowy praised the Prime Minister for exceeding his re-election commitment to doubling the national funding for football in Australia. He mentioned that hosting the FIFA Congress coincided with a resurgence of football in Australia and expressed his desire to bring Australia into the mainstream football community.<br /><br />The 58th FIFA Congress continues in Sydney tomorrow.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="350"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/8jYXZu8U0Ew"> </param> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/8jYXZu8U0Ew" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="350"> </embed> </object><div class="blogger-post-footer">Asian Football Central asianfc.com World Football News & Results</div>Asian Football Centralnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2944799688394989341.post-612251819071519312008-05-29T20:08:00.000+10:002008-05-29T20:11:25.082+10:00FIFA Lifts Iraq SuspensionThe FIFA Emergency Committee has today, Thursday, 29 May 2008, decided to provisionally and conditionally lift the suspension imposed on the Iraqi Football Association (IFA) on 26 May due to serious governmental interference after decree no. 184/2008 of 20 May had dissolved the governing bodies of the Iraqi National Olympic Committee (NOC) and all national sports federations, including the IFA, and set up an “interim committee” presided over by the Minister of Sport.<br /> <br />Since then, the situation has changed. Yesterday, 28 May 2008, FIFA received a letter from the General Secretariat for the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Iraq, confirming that the IFA had been “excluded” from the above-mentioned decree, thereby re-establishing the statutory order of the Iraqi association and its leaders, who will “continue their activities inside and outside Iraq till legal election [within the IFA]”.<br /> <br />This letter is a positive step, however it does not fully answer all of FIFA’s concerns about the governmental attempts to control the Iraqi federations and the Iraqi National Olympic Committee.<br /> <br />Therefore, FIFA has decided to lift the suspension imposed on the IFA, but on a purely provisional and conditional basis. This means that FIFA:<br />- may re-impose the suspension immediately if article 17 of the FIFA Statutes is violated again;<br />- will invite a delegation consisting of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), the IFA and representatives of the Iraqi government to Zurich as soon as possible to clarify all outstanding issues;<br />- will continue to coordinate the steps it has taken with regard to the IFA, a body that is an important member of the Iraqi National Olympic Committee, with the efforts taken by the IOC to ensure that the Olympic Charter is applied to the entire Iraqi Olympic and sporting movement.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Asian Football Central asianfc.com World Football News & Results</div>Asian Football Centralnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2944799688394989341.post-50794896593451007692008-05-29T10:26:00.000+10:002008-05-29T10:27:45.289+10:00Sydney Welcomes FIFAFollowing a number of preliminary meetings, the FIFA Congress officially commences in Sydney, Australia tonight.<br /><br />The 58th FIFA Congress will kick off with an opening ceremony at the Sydney Opera House to be attended by FIFA President Sepp Blatter, Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and international delegates from FIFA’s 208 member federations.<br /> <br />"This is a chance to meet all the FIFA members in our own backyard," Football Federation Australia (FFA) CEO, Ben Buckley, said.<br /> <br />During the official two day conference delegates will consider a number of changes to regulations including the introduction of a ‘6+5’ rule aimed at ensuring all domestic leagues have a minimum of six players eligible for the national team of the country of the league.<br /> <br />The Opening Ceremony will be a blend of vision packages and live performances promoting FIFA’s three pillars: ‘Develop the Game’, ‘Touch the World’ and ‘Build a Better Future’.<br /> <br />A purpose built stage including a 16.5 x 3.5m LED screen is one of the largest sets to have been used in the Concert Hall and has taken three days to construct.<br /> <br />Buckley is confident FIFA will enjoy the opportunity to experience Australian hospitality and see the growing enthusiasm for football in Australia first hand.<br /> <br />"Hopefully, they will walk away from the Congress with a positive feeling about Sydney and Australia and where the game has got to over the past few years – as well as where the game is going.”<div class="blogger-post-footer">Asian Football Central asianfc.com World Football News & Results</div>Asian Football Centralnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2944799688394989341.post-76631501784545175232008-05-26T20:18:00.000+10:002008-05-26T20:23:13.384+10:00Iraq FA Suspended by FIFAThe Iraqi Football Association (IFA) has today been suspended by the FIFA executive committee during the first day of their meeting in Sydney.<br /><br />The decision follows the Iraqi governmental decree passed on 20 May which dissolved the Iraqi National Olympic Committee and all national sport federations, including the IFA.<br /> <br />The FIFA Executive Committee also decided that in accordance with art. 14, par. 1 of the FIFA Statutes, the case of the Iraqi Football Association would be presented to the FIFA Congress on 30 May for suspension until the FIFA Congress in 2009, namely one year.<br /> <br />However, the suspension decided upon today may be lifted if FIFA receives by 29 May, midnight (Sydney time), 16.00h CET, written confirmation from the Iraqi government that the decree has been annulled.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Asian Football Central asianfc.com World Football News & Results</div>Asian Football Centralnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2944799688394989341.post-22995951569865483972008-04-10T15:29:00.002+10:002008-04-10T15:41:35.047+10:00IOC Torch RelayThe IOC has announced that it is considering abandoning the international legs of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Torch Relay as a response to the escalating protests following the torch en route. In particular, those in London and Paris have drawn significant attention as have the more recent events in the United States. <br /><br />Protestors claim that their actions are in relation to Chinese human rights policies and their treatment of the people of Tibet. What about the human rights of the torchbearers? Why is it acceptable for these people to be subjected to violence during one of the highlights of their life?<br /><br />Where have these professional protesters been since Beijing was named host? If they truly stood by their claims, we would have been hearing them for several years now. My guess is that most have just moved on from their last protesting job (World Economic Forum perhaps?). Here’s a suggestion- If you really must protest something Olympic, how about the London 2012 logo? It is truly an affront to humanity!<br /><br />Put your hand up if you live in a country without at least one skeleton in the closet. Australia hosted arguably the most successful Olympic Games in Sydney, 2000 however it cannot claim to be innocent following the treatment of its Aboriginal communities (something for which the Federal Government has only recently apologised). The UK (London 2012) was responsible for the abhorrent treatment of its own children during the 1950’s as they were shipped out to populate the Commonwealth and France blows up the Pacific with it's nuclear tests. The United States, being the most powerful and influential Olympic nation seems hell bent on imposing its own values across the globe (and lets not even mention slavery). The list goes on. The Netherlands (drugs), Spain (bullfighting), Germany (Hitler), and Russia (Communism).<br /><br />So why is China different? I am not ignorant to the history of abuse by the Communist Party against the Chinese people, nor am I unsympathetic to the plight of Tibet. I strongly believe however that the Olympic Games is not the forum for righting the wrongs of the past. The Olympic Games should be about forgetting our differences and celebrating our similarities.<br /><br />Abandoning the relay would be a major disappointment as the Olympic Games are a celebration of excellence and at the forefront of promoting world peace and unity. They bring together nations on a word stage unlike any other event and should be free of any political interference. <br /><br />Am I looking at this through rose coloured glasses? Probably. Maybe I simply believe in the Olympic Games too much, or maybe I just want to see some great football.<br /><br />Good luck Beijing!<div class="blogger-post-footer">Asian Football Central asianfc.com World Football News & Results</div>Asian Football Centralnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2944799688394989341.post-73714561001243646532008-02-07T01:33:00.000+11:002008-02-07T01:34:41.651+11:00Australia 3 Qatar 0Australia has made a successful entry into the Asian Football Confederation 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers at Telstra Dome in Melbourne tonight.<br /><br />In front of a capacity crowd of almost 51,000, the Socceroos dominated from the kick off with Qatar relegated to little more than spectators during the first half. The three goal scorers for the Aussies were Josh Kennedy (10'), Tim Cahill (17') and Marco Bresciano (33'). <br /><br /><p style="visibility:visible;"><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://widget-d2.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" height="320" width="426" style="width:426px;height:320px"><param name="movie" value="http://widget-d2.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="scale" value="noscale" /><param name="salign" value="l" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent"/> <param name="flashvars" value="cy=ms&il=1&channel=2089670227103073746&site=widget-d2.slide.com"/></object><p><a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=ms&at=0&id=2089670227103073746&map=1" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-d2.slide.com/p1/2089670227103073746/ms_t024_v000_a000_f00/images/xslide1.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=ms&at=0&id=2089670227103073746&map=2" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-d2.slide.com/p2/2089670227103073746/ms_t024_v000_a000_f00/images/xslide2.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a></p></p><br /><br />Qatar played a defensive game however were unable to stop the Aussie onslaught. It was not until the second half that they showed any signs of attacking football however by this time it was too late.<br /><br />This was the first match of the of the AFC round 3 World Cup qualification. China and 2007 AFC Asian Cup champions Iraq make up the so called 'Group of Death'. The top two teams will progress to the next round of qualification.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Asian Football Central asianfc.com World Football News & Results</div>Asian Football Centralnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2944799688394989341.post-89310773340216083072008-02-06T15:10:00.000+11:002008-02-06T15:17:29.499+11:00Gamba Osaka Pre-Season Training<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oFK-vUN4zcM/R6k0g4RP8HI/AAAAAAAAAKc/iWui5Sw5rPc/s1600-h/Gamba+Osaka.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oFK-vUN4zcM/R6k0g4RP8HI/AAAAAAAAAKc/iWui5Sw5rPc/s320/Gamba+Osaka.gif" border="0" alt=""id=Gamba Osaka /></a><br />After a short off-season, Gamba Osaka has started its preseason training camp in Guam. Their modest aim for the upcoming season is simple, to win three titles. But before they compete in the AFC Champions League and the J.League, they first have a shot at the inaugural Pan-Pacific Championship.<br /><br />Although a number of important players are still absent from the preseason camp due to national team duty, Gamba welcomed nine newcomers in the off-season. The recent additions include Japanese national team defender Hiroki Mizumoto, 29-year old Brazilian striker Lucas Severino, and a tantalizing prospect in defender, Yohei Fukumoto, who captained Japan's Under-20 national team at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup last summer.<br /> <br />But while there is change on the roster, a steady hand remains at the helm. In Guam, Akira Nishino opened his seventh camp as Gamba Osaka’s head coach. We spoke to the seasoned veteran about his expectations for the new team and the upcoming Pan-Pacific Championship.<br /> <br />Q. With the numerous off-season player changes, how has the preseason training helped to solidify team unity?<br /> <br />We cannot expect this new team to be the same as last year because we have nine new players. I hope these new players will put new energy and impact into our entire organization. We are spending a great deal of time together during the Guam camp. Getting to know each other will bring strong unity to the team, leading to better overall performances.<br /> <br />Q. As head coach, what do you hope to accomplish in these last few training sessions both in Guam and Hawaii?<br /> <br />We are building a base so that we can get through the busy season this year. We are continuing good things for Gamba, including strong offense and a fluid passing style. I also would like to add some spice to the team, utilizing the techniques and abilities of the new members.<br /> <br />Q. What should fans in Hawaii expect to see when the "new" Gamba Osaka takes the field?<br /> <br />We hope to show powerful, offensive soccer. This is our style. Because we now have good players in the positions in which we felt we needed to strengthen from last year, I really look forward to starting the new season. As for the Pan-Pacific Championship, I am much honored to be present at this international tournament in Hawaii as a representative from J.League. It should definitely be a good experience for the team and again, we are very excited about starting the new season with this prestigious event.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Asian Football Central asianfc.com World Football News & Results</div>Asian Football Centralnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2944799688394989341.post-11828700404763605562008-01-17T17:10:00.000+11:002008-01-17T17:14:16.977+11:002008 AFC Challenge CupThe Asian Football Confederation has completed the draw for the AFC Challenge Cup 2008 qualifying rounds.<br /><br />Sixteen teams were drawn into four groups with only the group winners progressing to join DPR Korea, Turkmenistan, hosts India and Myanmar in the eight-team finals which will be played from July 30-August 10.<br /><br />The four qualifying groups will be hosted by Nepal, Kyrgyzstan, Chinese Taipei and the Philippines.<br /><br />THE GROUPS<br /><br />GROUP A: Sri Lanka, Chinese Taipei (hosts), Pakistan, Guam <br />GROUP B: Tajikistan, Brunei Darussalam, The Philippines (hosts), Bhutan <br />GROUP C: Kyrgyzstan (hosts), Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Laos <br />GROUP D: Nepal (hosts), Palestine, Cambodia, Macau<div class="blogger-post-footer">Asian Football Central asianfc.com World Football News & Results</div>Asian Football Centralnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2944799688394989341.post-47207932813288737262008-01-17T17:05:00.000+11:002008-01-17T17:15:09.636+11:002008 AFC President's CupThe Asian Football Confederation has completed the group stage draw for the fourth edition of the AFC President’s Cup and two-time defending champions Dordoi-Dynamo of Kyrgyzstan have been slotted with Cambodia’s Nagacorp FC and Taiwan Power Company of Chinese Taipei.<br /><br />Under the new format of the competition, eleven teams were drawn into two groups of four teams each, and one of three teams. The three group winners will advance to the finals along with the best runner-up.<br /><br />The three groups will be hosted by Nepal, Chinese Taipei and Sri Lanka.<br /><br />The knockout stage, comprising the semifinals and final, take place from 19-21 September 2008. The hosts for the knockout stage will be identified after the group stage.<br /><br />THE GROUPS<br /><br />GROUP A: League champions (Nepal), Regar-Tadaz (Tajikistan), League champions (Pakistan), Abahani (Bangladesh) <br />GROUP B: Dordoi-Dynamo (Kyrgyzstan), Nagacorp FC (Cambodia), Taiwan Power Company (Chinese Taipei) <br />GROUP C: Ashgabat (Turkmenistan), Ratnam SC (Sri Lanka), Transport United (Bhutan), Kanbawza (Myanmar)<div class="blogger-post-footer">Asian Football Central asianfc.com World Football News & Results</div>Asian Football Centralnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2944799688394989341.post-52492494830981002072007-12-13T09:16:00.000+11:002007-12-13T09:20:55.328+11:00Indonesia to Miss 2008 AFC Champions LeagueThe AFC Competitions Committee has confirmed that Indonesian clubs shall not be included in the AFC Champions League 2008 as both the Indonesia League and National Knockout competition do not finish before January 2008.<br /> <br />This is in breach of the AFC Champions League Regulation on Eligible Teams which states that the national team champion and champion club of the knockout competition for the football season declared by the Member Association and approved by the AFC Competitions Committee, and concluded in the year preceding the current competition, shall be eligible to participate in this competition.<br /> <br />Therefore, as the league and knockout competition are not concluded in 2007, the Indonesian clubs will not be eligible for the AFC Champions League 2008.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Asian Football Central asianfc.com World Football News & Results</div>Asian Football Centralnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2944799688394989341.post-66817668374624837472007-11-22T17:30:00.000+11:002007-11-22T17:35:43.408+11:00Australia 2018Asian Football Central is proud to announce the launch of it's sister site, Aus2018.com.<br /><br /><br />The new site aims to support Australia's bid for the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals hosting rights.<br /><br />Whilst Australia faces some stiff opposition from football powerhouses including England and The Netherlands (Benelux), the country has proven itself more than capable of hosting major sporting events.<br /><br />Check out the site, leave a comment and GOOD LUCK AUSTRALIA!!<br /><br />http://www.aus2018.com<div class="blogger-post-footer">Asian Football Central asianfc.com World Football News & Results</div>Asian Football Centralnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2944799688394989341.post-22471237041177931672007-10-30T18:05:00.000+11:002007-10-30T18:11:15.340+11:00Asian Bid for FIFA World Cup 2018As from 2018, the hosting of the FIFA World Cup™ will cease to be rotated. Under the chairmanship of President Joseph S. Blatter, the FIFA Executive Committee today - 29 October 2007 - unanimously passed a decision to abandon the principle (originally introduced in the year 2000) of rotating the men's World Cup from continent to continent. The confederations whose associations have hosted the two preceding World Cups will not be eligible to bid, however. Consequently, all the associations from Asia, North and Central America and the Caribbean, Oceania and Europe may bid for the 2018 FIFA World Cup™.<br /><br />With the abandonment of the FIFA rotation policy, member football federations of the Asian Football Confederation may now apply.<br /><br />Australia and China have already expressed an interest in hosting the tournament but will face tough opposition from football powerhouses including England and The Netherlands (Benelux).<div class="blogger-post-footer">Asian Football Central asianfc.com World Football News & Results</div>Asian Football Centralnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2944799688394989341.post-6751987699992927452007-10-23T19:20:00.000+10:002007-10-23T19:29:20.848+10:00QANTAS Socceroos to play Nigeria<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oFK-vUN4zcM/Rx29rJil9JI/AAAAAAAAAKU/l8G3cXLx0fA/s1600-h/100px-FootballFederationAustralia-logo.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oFK-vUN4zcM/Rx29rJil9JI/AAAAAAAAAKU/l8G3cXLx0fA/s320/100px-FootballFederationAustralia-logo.png" border="0" alt=""id="Football Federation Australia" /></a><br />The Qantas Socceroos will continue their preparations ahead of the commencement of qualifying for the 2010 FIFA World Cup with an international match against Nigeria in London on Saturday 17 November.<br /><br />Craven Cottage the home of Fulham FC will be the venue for the match which will be the final game ahead of Australia's first 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier to be played on Wednesday 6 February.<br /><br />The opponents that Australia will face in their first phase of World Cup qualifying will be revealed after the draw, which will take place in Durban, South Africa on Sunday 25 November 2007.<br /><br />Nigeria, ranked 23 in the World, are currently involved in qualifying for the 2008 African Cup of Nations and have just won their group.<br /><br />"Nigeria are the number one ranked team in Africa and will provide a very competitive match for the Qantas Socceroos," said FFA CEO Ben Buckley.<br /><br />"It is vital that we give the team another match ahead of the World Cup qualifiers and we look forward to seeing Australia's national football team play against a high quality opponent."<br /><br />FFA Technical Director Rob Baan will coach the Qantas Socceroos on what will be a vital day for Australian Football. As the Qantas Socceroos play Nigeria the Qantas Under 23s will be in action against Iraq at Bluetongue Stadium at Gosford in a match that could decide which team qualifies for the 2008 Olympic Games.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Asian Football Central asianfc.com World Football News & Results</div>Asian Football Centralnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2944799688394989341.post-48043426536769850812007-10-13T16:14:00.000+10:002007-10-13T16:21:31.100+10:00Sydney FC V LA Galaxy<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oFK-vUN4zcM/RxBixpil9II/AAAAAAAAAKM/mytc-hb_vRg/s1600-h/club+challenge.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oFK-vUN4zcM/RxBixpil9II/AAAAAAAAAKM/mytc-hb_vRg/s320/club+challenge.jpg" border="0" alt=""id=Hyundai A League Sydney FC LA Galaxy Football /></a><br /><br /><br />Football Federation Australia (FFA) and the Hyundai Motor Company Australia have announced that the upcoming Sydney FC versus LA Galaxy match, featuring David Beckham, at Telstra Stadium on Tuesday 27 November 2007 will be known as the “Hyundai Club Challenge”.<br /><br />“It is fantastic that Hyundai has chosen to further extend their relationship with Football in Australia by becoming naming rights partner for this very special event,” said FFA CEO Ben Buckley.<br /><br />“Hyundai has become established as the motor vehicle partner of Football around the world – from the FIFA World Cup through to the Qantas Socceroos and the Hyundai A-League here in Australia. It is fitting therefore that they have embraced this huge international special event, which will provide a great showcase for everything that is special about the World Game.”<br /><br />“We thank Hyundai for their ongoing support and, like every sports fan in Australia, we eagerly look forward to the Hyundai Club Challenge match,” concluded Buckley. “It will provide a unique occasion to introduce yet another new Australian audience to Football and the Hyundai A-League.”<br /><br />Hyundai Motor Company Australia Director of Sales & Marketing, Kevin McCann, made the partnership announcement at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney.<br /><br />“The relationship between Hyundai and Football in Australia has grown strongly over the past 3 years and this partnership for the Hyundai Club Challenge is just another example of our support for the game.<br /><br />“Hyundai is proud to partner this historic match and give football fans the opportunity to see one of the most recognized sports stars in the world; David Beckham,” concluded McCann. <br /><br />The Hyundai Club Challenge will be broadcast live and exclusively in High Definition by Network Ten nationally in a special three hour presentation, which will also feature an exclusive one-on-one interview with David Beckham. <br /><br />There are a limited number of tickets remaining for the Hyundai Club Challenge and a capacity crowd is expected on Tuesday 27 November. Supporters can still purchase their tickets through Ticketek via internet (www.ticketek.com.au), phone (132 849) or at outlets.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Asian Football Central asianfc.com World Football News & Results</div>Asian Football Centralnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2944799688394989341.post-67388102709293988642007-09-21T06:23:00.000+10:002007-09-21T07:32:38.368+10:00FIFA Women's World Cup Quarter Finals<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oFK-vUN4zcM/RvLaPzDxnJI/AAAAAAAAAKE/s3QfUBvcjag/s1600-h/Fwwc07.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oFK-vUN4zcM/RvLaPzDxnJI/AAAAAAAAAKE/s3QfUBvcjag/s320/Fwwc07.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5112388491957869714" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Following the conclusion of the group stage of the FIFA Women's World Cup China 2007, the 8 quarter finalists have now been decided.<br /><br />The Asian Football Confederation can already claim the FIFA Women's World Cup a success having three of their four finalists progressing to the knock out stage of the tournament. UEFA also has three with North and South America qualifying one team each.<br /><br />It was a nervous wait for some of the teams following a 24 hour delay due to a typhoon in the region.<br /><br />The next phase of the tournament will be played over the 22nd and 23rd of September:<br /><br />22/09/07<br />Germany V North Korea<br />USA V England<br /><br />23/09/07<br />Norway V China PR<br />Brazil V Australia<br /><br /><br />Asian Football Central.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Asian Football Central asianfc.com World Football News & Results</div>Asian Football Centralnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2944799688394989341.post-59512705520630859972007-09-13T07:14:00.000+10:002007-09-13T07:28:38.107+10:00FIFA Women's World Cup<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oFK-vUN4zcM/RuhZ-_riTpI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/ifaJcv0brw8/s1600-h/Fwwc07.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oFK-vUN4zcM/RuhZ-_riTpI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/ifaJcv0brw8/s320/Fwwc07.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5109432716032626322" /></a><br /><br /><br />Asian teams have performed well in the first round of group matches at the FIFA Women's World Cup China 2007 with two wins and two draws. Australia's win was the countries first ever win at the FIFA Women's World Cup finals after three previous appearances.<br /><br />Group A: Japan 2 drew with England 2 (Japan 3rd in group standings)<br />Group B: Korea DPR 2 drew with USA 2 (Korea DPR 1st in group standings)<br />Group C: Australia 4 def Ghana 1 (Australia 1st in group standings)<br />Group D: China PR 3 def Denmark 2 (China PR second in group standings)<br /><br />Matches can be discussed on the Asian Football Central Forum http://forum.asianfc.com<br /><br /><br />Asian Football Central<br />http://asianfc.com<div class="blogger-post-footer">Asian Football Central asianfc.com World Football News & Results</div>Asian Football Centralnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2944799688394989341.post-20129133126737774872007-08-19T13:12:00.000+10:002007-08-19T13:42:23.911+10:00Melboure Victory Ready for Title Defence<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oFK-vUN4zcM/Rse5dPfk7qI/AAAAAAAAAJk/zYkYCYV40n4/s1600-h/DSC00611.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oFK-vUN4zcM/Rse5dPfk7qI/AAAAAAAAAJk/zYkYCYV40n4/s320/DSC00611.JPG" border="0" alt=""id=hyundai a-league melbourne victoy kevin muscat football soccer /></a><br /><br />The reigning Hyundai A-League Champions have launched their title defence with a family day at Melbourne Docklands today showing off their 2006/2007 premiership and championship trophies.<br /><br />Thousands of fans turned out to meet the players who were happy to sign autographs and pose for photos. <br /><br />All players were in attendance including Archie Thompson who kicked 5 goals in a match winning performance in the 2006/2007 championship final along with captain Kevin Muscat.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oFK-vUN4zcM/Rse3mffk7pI/AAAAAAAAAJc/9ZNj43RMkZs/s1600-h/DSC00609.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oFK-vUN4zcM/Rse3mffk7pI/AAAAAAAAAJc/9ZNj43RMkZs/s320/DSC00609.JPG" border="0" alt=""id=Melbourne Victory Soccer Football Archie Thompson /></a><br /><br />Victoy play their opening Hyundai A-League match on Sunday August 26 against competition newcomers Wellington Phoenix at Westpac Stadium in Wellington.<br /><br />Asian Football Central<br />http://asianfc.com<div class="blogger-post-footer">Asian Football Central asianfc.com World Football News & Results</div>Asian Football Centralnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2944799688394989341.post-38090078190110771172007-08-03T20:05:00.000+10:002007-08-03T20:21:52.483+10:00AFC Announces 2010 FIFA World Cup Qualification SeedingsThe Asian Football Confederation has announced it's qualification process and seedings in the lead up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals to be held in South Africa.<br /><br />The AFC has been allocated 4.5 places in the World Cup finals (5th to playoff against the top ranked side from Oceania) and has seeded it's 43 entries based on their performances in the 2006 tournament and earlier qualification matches.<br /><br />As a result, Australia has been allocated the top seeding as the only AFC member to proceed beyond the group stages in Germany.<br /><br />The other nations to make up the AFC top 5 and who will each receive byes through to the third round of the qualification process are Korea Republic, Saudi Arabia, Japan and IR IRan.<br /><br />Despite winning last month's AFC Asian Cup, Iraq have been seeded 12th and will be required to play in the first round of qualification (08 + 28 October 2007).<br /><br />The top 4 Asian nations (who will receive direct entry to the FIFA World Cup finals) will be known by qualification round 4 which concludes September 2009. The AFC/OFC playoff will be held on the 10th and 14th Of October 2009.<br /><br />The AFC will conduct the full draw on Monday August 6.<br /><br />Asian Football Central<br />http://asianfc.com<div class="blogger-post-footer">Asian Football Central asianfc.com World Football News & Results</div>Asian Football Centralnoreply@blogger.com0